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The Right Question to Ask After We Have Delegated Something

When we are concerned whether another person can or will follow through on a task she or he has committed to, we often pick the wrong next questions to ask. We ask, “What happens if they don’t? What’s the risk? What’s the exposure?” And so we tend to jump in, try to control things, or do it ourselves.

Of course, we are allowed to wonder whether someone may follow through. But we need not pick up the responsibility ball. For the long-term health and sustainability of ourselves, our organization and our relationship with this individual, the best next question to ask ourselves is, “What does this person need right now in order to fulfill this commitment?”